MICF 2018 review: Ismo Leikola a breath of fresh Finnair

Actually, he's obsessed with a lot of things: warm weather, his wife's numerous bathroom products and the sounds men make when they're, ahem, having a nice time. But it's the Nordic comedian's unique observations about the English language that really set him apart.

Finnish comedian Ismo Leikola.

His dry Finnish humour could have easily been lost in translation. Same, too, with his baffled foreigner shtick. But somehow it all comes together – with audiences chuckling from start to finish.

Why are there so many variations of the word "shit"? How has the "th" sound survived in modern English when it sounds like the speaker is having a stroke?

These are just some of the linguistic curiosities Leikola explores, skilfully adapting his routine for an Australian audience. If you're after something different this comedy festival, Words Apart is the show to see.